Learn about the Inca, a powerful kingdom that ruled over 12 million people in the Andes region of South America. Discover their achievements, religion, government and how they fell to the Spanish invaders.

Inca, South American Indians who ruled an empire that extended along the Pacific coast and Andean highlands from the northern border of modern Ecuador to the Maule River in central Chile. Their descendants today remain in and around the Andes and make up the largest ethnic group in Peru.

The Inca civilization is known for creating the largest empire ever seen in the Americas, their impressive agricultural techniques, and their art and architecture which uniquely combined geometrical stonework with the natural landscape.

The Inca Empire was the largest pre-Hispanic civilization in South America and ruled the area along the continent’s Pacific coast. At its height of power, the Inca Empire stretched from northern Ecuador all the way south to central Chile and ruled over a population of 12 million, from over 100 different ethnic groups.

Inca - Empire, Religion, Culture: In common with other Andean cultures, the Inca left no written records. Inca origins and early history are largely shrouded in legends that may be more mythical than factual.

Learn how the Inca ruled over western South America from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean 500 years ago. Discover their culture, language, roads, roads, and how they were conquered by the Spanish.

It was the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas, stretching 770,000 square miles, with a population estimated at between 6-14 million people. The Inca concept of the family unit is still the model in the region today.

Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, Machu Picchu stands as an archaeological wonder of the ancient world. But why was it built—and deserted?...more. Machu Picchu is a...

The Inca government, dominated by the king or Sapa Inca, used military force to control their empire and they spread their religion, art and architecture to try and create a cultural unity. How did the Inca government contribute to the collapse of the Inca empire?